AJAY VERNEKAR
London
Summary
Accomplished Chief Information Officer with over 25 years of experience, possessing a proven track record in leading digital transformation efforts within the BFSI sector. Passionate about leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and GenAI to create innovative solutions that drive business growth and enhance operational efficiency. Throughout my career, consistently delivered significant business outcomes and fostered strong customer engagement. Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Information Officer
SBI Life Insurance
09.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: India's Largest Private Life insurance company
- Orchestrated implementation of comprehensive 3-year IT strategy to achieve organizational goals.
- Oversaw internal IT team of over 200 personnel.
- Engineered AI-based sales platforms using modular frameworks and API/microservices technology benefitting more than 249k sales personnel.
- Generated a significant Gross Written Premium of GBP 7 billion.
- Led development of AI/LLM-based analytics and voice IVRs to improve customer service adoption by 87%.
- Maintained strict cybersecurity adherence across extensive IT infrastructure.
- Attained digital adoption exceeding 99.5%.
- Orchestrated cloud-driven analytics initiatives to boost organizational effectiveness.
Chief Technology Officer
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance
05.2018 - 08.2022
- Company Overview: Joint venture with Sun Life Canada
- Built an agile Digital Strategy by implementing emerging technologies
- Replaced85 legacy systems with cloud technologies featuring API integration
- Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives creating40+ digital assets within18 months
- Engaged in long-term strategic collaborations with industry leaders
- Launched an in-house digital innovation center focused on cutting-edge technologies
- Developed strategic partnerships utilizing cloud platforms, achieving streamlined operations for enterprise growth.
Vice President of Information Technology
HDFC Life Insurance Company
06.2012 - 04.2018
- Company Overview: Joint venture with Standard Life Aberdeen plc, UK
- Promoted operational efficiency and increased customer satisfaction ratings
- Delivered complex IT projects on time and within budget
- Boosted premium renewal recovery by over ₹300 Cr monthly through various payment method integrations
- Enhanced digital servicing adoption by over50% through strategic projects
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures by developing comprehensive risk assessments and implementing robust security protocols.
- Spearheaded successful digital transformation initiatives, driving innovation and improving overall business efficiency.
- Managed stakeholder expectations effectively during major system implementations or changes through clear communication channels and regular progress updates.
Director of Technology Infrastructure
Fullerton India Credit Company Ltd
08.2005 - 04.2012
- Company Overview: Start-up venture
- Successfully set up900 branches in18 months by crafting and maintaining infrastructure
- Maintained optimal uptime for business applications
- Managed IT support for large back-office loan processing centers across400 locations
- Reduced infrastructure expenses by migrating to cloud-based solutions and consolidating systems.
- Spearheaded digital transformation projects, modernizing legacy systems for increased functionality and scalability.
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of products and services at competitive costs.
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
06.1995
Bachelor of Science - Computer Engineering
01.1991
Skills
- IT Strategy
- API Integration
- Cloud migrations
- Digital transformation
- Agile and CI/CD
- Cybersecurity
- Data and analytics
- IBM platforms
- Microservices
- Performance Monitoring
- Robotics
- AI
- GenAI
- IT compliance
- Enterprise architecture
- IT leadership
Awards
Guinness World Record for Consumer Engagement: Led the initiative that won SBI Life a Guinness World Record in August2023 for gathering11,223 pledges from consumers in a single hour using ChatGPT., Techcircle Business Transformation Awards2023: Led SBI Life to win the Business Transformation Award, October23 for 'Digital First Approach'., CXO Cloud Leadership Award2023: Recipient of the CXO Cloud Leadership Award2023 for my leadership in migrating critical business functions to the cloud.
Timeline
Chief Information Officer - SBI Life Insurance
09.2022 - Current
Chief Technology Officer - Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance
05.2018 - 08.2022
Vice President of Information Technology - HDFC Life Insurance Company
06.2012 - 04.2018
Director of Technology Infrastructure - Fullerton India Credit Company Ltd
08.2005 - 04.2012
Wellingkar Institute of Management - Master of Business Administration,
Mumbai University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering
Additional Information
Endorsed by Tech Nation appointed by the GOV.UK for the Global Talent Visa ( Exception Talent) hence possess legal rights to work and live in the UK without a sponsorship. Can start work immediately.
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